Leveraging Thermal Against Threats
Defending against external threats and asset failure at substations
- By Fredrik Wallberg
- Mar 01, 2019
Artificial intelligence continues to redefine the capabilities
of physical security systems and shape customer
demands. Today, users expect their security solutions
to feature analytics that enable object recognition,
target classification, facial detection along with many
other advanced functions. In other words, end users across the security
industry are searching for systems that provide a return on investment
as well as business intelligence beyond security.
Electrical substations are a prime example. Housing missioncritical
assets in remote locations where activity is mostly static, substation
monitoring can be tedious. However, recent advancements in
intrusion detection technologies and analytics software are helping
substations to leverage thermal imaging cameras to improve both security
and operations. While many utility professionals are familiar
with how thermal cameras can provide 24-hour perimeter monitoring
for threat detection, there is also a key opportunity to deploy thermal
for continuous condition monitoring for machinery. By leveraging
thermal for security and maintenance, utilities deter intruders, prevent
equipment failure, reduce unexpected downtime for customers,
and gain substantial savings.
Why Substations Are Deploying Thermal
When it comes to perimeter protection, there is a reason these highend
assets deploy premium thermal cameras. First, enterprise-grade
thermal cameras deliver consistent performance even in harsh weather
environments. Capturing the minute differences between heat signatures
of objects, thermal cameras produce clear, sharp imagery in
rain, shine or complete darkness. By deploying thermal cameras with
long detection ranges, security directors receive an early warning of
any approaching threat from several hundred meters away.
New multi-faceted cameras featuring both thermal sensors and
optical cameras with built-in analytics are also attractive options
for substations and system integrators alike because they simplify
deployment. Traditional fence protection and buried cable sensor
systems require extensive materials and labor. A standard, eightfoot-
tall chain link fence for a 200 yard area can be upwards of
$50,000. Add that to the costs for trenching, the cable system itself,
and the cameras needed to provide visual verification for any alarm events. In the end, you’re looking at a hefty startup price for
a system that will likely take several weeks to install. On the other
hand, thermal solutions that combine multiple detection technologies
under one housing substantially minimize hardware foot print
and shorten installation time as they can be easily mounted onto
existing structures.
Another key value of high-quality thermal solutions with optical
imagers and embedded classification analytics is that they produce
accurate alarms and video verification. Upon detection, operators
can review both thermal and color video clips to verify alerts before
dispatching police. These technologies effectively reduce false alarms,
which is a key reason why these solutions are so appealing to utilities.
Protection Beyond the Perimeter
As utilities come to the end of implementing solutions like thermal
cameras to satisfy NERC CIP-014 requirements, more companies are
shifting their focus beyond security to asset performance. To distribute
energy to homes, businesses and other facilities each day, it is vital
that substation transformers, lightning arresters, isolators, insulators
and other equipment function optimally.
A common failure for substation equipment is the thermal dynamics,
or the heating and cooling system. If a transformer overheats
and burns, the consequences are severe. The multi-million dollar
transformer could be out of commission, and it could be several
months before it could even be replaced. In the interim, service would
be down, and the interruption in business could cost the utility thousands
of dollars.
For these reasons, asset monitoring and asset resiliency are critical
for substations. One cutting-edge technology integration substations
are beginning to use to address this need is radiometric (or temperature
measuring) thermal cameras paired with analysis software. This
technology duo allows facility operators to monitor assets, inspect
equipment where the temperature reaches a specified threshold, and
take preventative measures. Here’s how it works, and the features utilities
should look for in radiometric thermal cameras and temperature
trending software.
Thermal for Asset Monitoring
To collect accurate temperature information, a superior thermal imager
is needed. For utilities looking to deploy a fixed or PTZ radiometric
thermal camera, the product should offer non-contact temperature
measurement, integration with external control systems,
and alarming options via email, website or mobile devices. Premium
radiometric thermal cameras will also feature edge analytics for classifying
humans or vehicles.
While the radiometric thermal camera captures data, smart analytics
software is needed to interpret and deliver this information in
a way that is valuable to substation staff. For optimal results, utilities
should deploy an open architecture smart analytics software solution
that aggregates temperature data to video management systems, OSI
PI and SCADA systems.
The function of the smart analytics software is to read, process
and analyze the thermal sensor readings. The software can then generates
reports on temperature trends on an asset over time as well as
temperature trends on all similar assets across multiplies sites. It can
also send an alarm to staff if a component’s temperature exceeds a
pre-set threshold.
Temperature Trending for
Predictive Maintenance
With the ability to collect temperature trending information on assets
in real time, facility managers can identify poor-performing
components. Small changes in temperature on an asset, where the
temperature of its counterparts remains steady, could indicate a
problem that warrants an in-person inspection. Proactive preventative
maintenance can help avoid in-person visits in often frigid and
isolated places.
If further evaluation reveals an asset’s issue cannot be resolved
with repairs, utility staff can collectively decide to replace the
equipment prior to failure. This kind of predictive maintenance reduces
the total cost of ownership for assets, minimizes the number
of unscheduled downtime events, and saves the utility hundreds of
thousands of dollars in the long run. Many energy companies are
adopting security and preventative maintenance solutions and are
seeing great results.
Another key advantage of deploying radiometric thermal cameras
with analysis software is that it improves efficiency during repair
visits. Typically, when a repair is needed on an asset, a thermographer
travels to the substation to first perform an inspection.
Upon arrival, the individual uses a handheld thermal imager to
take temperature measurements to check for load balance before
the equipment is taken offline for repair. The thermographer then
waits for several hours for repairs to the equipment before making
a final assessment to ensure the load is balanced and the equipment
is functioning properly. With radiometric thermal cameras on-site,
a thermographer can remotely scan the component to ensure the
electrical load on the apparatus is balanced across all connections.
The real-time temperature reading and analytics before and after
the repair verifies whether the problem was truly fixed or if the issue
requires further attention.
One of the greatest benefits of a thermal and temperature trending
software solution is the peace of mind it provides to utility staff.
Instead of detecting a transformer burning out, staff can use this
technology to prevent it. By utilities implementing predictive maintenance
systems that reduce the risk of an asset malfunctioning, stakeholders
rest assured that initiatives are being taken to avoid failure
and business losses.
A Complete Solution
Tying it altogether, a typical setup for a substation using thermal for
both perimeter security and asset monitoring would include fixed
thermal analytic cameras along the perimeter, a PTZ radiometric
thermal camera in the center, and radiometric thermal cameras in
high-priority asset areas. Upon detection of a human in an unauthorized
area from the fixed perimeter analytic cameras, the PTZ
camera could track the intruder. Upon validating the alarm, the security
operator could immediately dispatch a guard to the area to
detain and apprehend the intruder before the individual could inflict
any damage.
Meanwhile, the radiometric thermal cameras on-site would continuously
survey all equipment in their purview 24-hours a day, seven
days a week. If a component’s temperature surpasses the threshold
or if temperature trends appear abnormal, operations staff can act to
resolve the issue before the component overheats.
By employing thermal technology and analytics,
utilities gain a complete solution that prevents
intrusion and asset failure and one where the
solution pays for itself, both in value and costsavings.
This article originally appeared in the March 2019 issue of Security Today.